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I have had my dog for about 5 or 6 years. She was born in January of 2013 and is a chihuahua rat terrier mix breed. She was given to me by my sister because of issues with being housebroken. My concern is ever since I have had her she has had issues with expressing her anal glands as well as just constant discomfort. I did learn. It is common for small breed dogs to have to get their anal glands expressed by veterinarian which I try to do regularly as well as buying probiotics feeding your sweet potatoes or anything that would help her to have more comfortable bowel movements. Sometimes it has improved seems to me that she is in pain very uncomfortable for at least 20 minutes after every bowel movement she has ever had? I'm really concerned and I noticed lately that the color of her feces is a reddish color. I'm not sure what could be causing discomfort and shaking every time she goes to the bathroom. It makes me really sad for her and very worried that she has to go through this every time and it also makes her apprehensive about having her bowel movements? Can you help?

Hi Carla,
I recommend that you take her into see a veterinarian. Pain during or after defecation is not normal. This could be caused by her anal glands being full but there can be other more serious causes as well. Your vet can talk to you more about the cause of her symptoms after they have examined her. They may recommend some lab tests to help diagnose or rule out certain diseases. The treatment that she needs will depend on the underlying cause and severity of her symptoms.

Answered by:

John Smith, DVMVeterinarian

Dr. John Smith is a graduate of LSU, Class of 1998. He has over 10 years of experience...